UPDATE
A strong weather warning has been issued for the Phuket region for Monday, the Asarnha Bucha Day public holiday. People are advised to avoid going to sea.
Original Report
A DISASTER at sea was narrowly avoided when a fishing boat and a small cargo vessel collided in darkness off Phuket last night. About 20 crew abandoned the fishing boat.
The 'Sitonprie' was severely damaged in the collision with the cargo boat 'Kantanglamlang 6' about two miles off the coast, close to Ko Taphao Noi, about 11pm.
A companion fishing vessel that had sailed from Ranong, on the Thailand-Burma border, with the 'Sitonprie' took on board the crew from the severely damaged vessel.
A Marine Police vessel answered a call for assistance and was towing the 'Sitonprie' towards Phuket's deep sea port today. Damage was estimated at several million baht. 'Kantanglamlang 6' was carrying a cargo of sand.
Storms on Sunday caused damage to yachts taking part in the last day of sailing in the Six Senses Phuket Raceweek Regatta.
Malaysia's Bureau of Meteorology warned that strong west/southwesterly winds reaching speeds of 50-60kmph with waves rising up to 4.5 metres off Phuket were expected to continue.
The strong winds and rough sea conditions would pose a danger to all shipping and coastal activities, including fishing and ferry services, the bureau forecast.
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